Collapsible carriage.



O. S. SPOFPORD & P. W. JONAS.

GOLLAPSIBLE CARRIAGE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 9, 1913.

Patented Mar. 24, 1914.

4 SHEETs-SHEET 1.

COLUMBIA PLANDGRAPH c0., WASHINGTON, D. c.

G. S. SPOFFORD & F. W. JONAS.

UOLLAPSIBLE CARRIAGE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 9, 1913.

1,090,950. Patented Mar. 24, 19m

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

c. s. SPOFFORD & F. W. J0NAs.

GOLLAPSIBLE CARRIAGE.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 9, 1913.

1,090,950. Pat nted Ma1-.24,1914

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

COLUMB PLANOGRMH C0, WASHINGTON. n. c.

C. S. SPOPPORD & F. W. JONAS.

GOLLAPSIBLE CARRIAGE.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 9, 1913.

1,090,950. Patented Mar.24,191

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

nnrTnn sTaTns TaTnnT oTTTen CHRISTOPHER S. SPOFFORD AND FREDERICK 11V. JONAS, 0F S'IURGIS, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNORS TO STURGIS STEEL Gill-CART COMPANY, OF STURGIS, MICHIGAN.

GOLLAPSIBLE CARRIAGE.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, CHRISTOPHER S. Srorronn and FREDERICK W. J ones, citizens of the United States, residing at Sturgis, Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Collapsible Carriages, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in collapsible carriages.

The main objects of this invention are: First, to provide an improved collapsible carriage in which the body collapses compactly by a single collapsing movement or motion. Second, to provide an improved collapsible carriage which is simple and economical in structure and mechanism, and at the same time, one which is strong and durable.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

. We accomplish the objects of our invention by the devices and means described in the following specification.

The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of our invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification, in which:

Figure I is a perspective view of a structure embodying the features of our invention, the upper part of the handle being broken away. Fig. 11 is an inverted or bottom view. Fig. 111 is a detail vertical section on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. 11. Fig. 1V is a perspective view of the structure collapsed. Fig. V is .a detail side elevation with the axles and wheels and seat removed, parts being shown in their collapsed position by dotted lines.

In the drawing, similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and the sectional view is taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section line.

Referring to the drawing, the frame in the structure illustrated, comprises side members 1 and a front cross piece 2 formed integrally of a flat bar bent into U-shape. The side members 1 are connected by cross pieces 3 on which the seat 1 is mounted.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 9, 1913.

Patented Mar. 2%, 191st.

Serial No. 766,548.

The back 5 is pivotally mounted on the ears or brackets 6 on the seat to fold forwardly thereon. At the front of the seat is a flexible boot portion 7.

The front supports 8 are connected to the front axle 9 and their upper ends have a sliding connection with the frame, the connection preferably consisting of pins 10 on the supports 8 which engage longitudinal slots 11 in the side members 1 of the frame, as shown.

The upper ends of the rear axle supports 12 are secured to the side members of the frame by the pivots 13 and to the rear axles by the spring members 11-. These spring members are of the blade type and given a quarter twist at 15 so that their front ends lie flat against the supports 12 and are are pivotally connected by the pivots 17.

Thus connected to each other and to the frame, the supports are adapted to collapse, allowing the frame to drop down on the axle between the wheels, as shown.

The supports are erected and held in their erected position by means of the levers 18 which are mounted on the pivots 17 and slidingly connected to the side members of the frame, the connection preferably c011- sisting of the pins 19which engage longitudinal slots 20 in the side members, as shown. This permits the levers being swung forwardly, allowing the supports to collapse and when the levers are swung to their rearward position, the supports are extended and supported in their extended position. The levers are preferably actuated from the handle 21 which is pivoted at22 to the rear ends of the side members of the frame to collapse forwardly, as shown. in Fig. IV.

The levers 18 are connected to the side members of the handle by means of the links 23 which constitute side bars for the carriage body, the flexible sides at being supported by the levers and these side bars or by the links 27 to the levers so that when forward in the slots, as stated, and as shown by dotted lines in Fig. V.

'The back is supported by means of the bail 28' which is pivoted at 29 to the links 23, the cross bar portion of the bail being engaged with a strap 30 011 the back of this seat. See Fig. III. By thus supporting the back it may be adjusted at different angles relative to the seat, and when the structure is collapsed, is folded forwardly upon the seat.

To add to the rigidity of the structure, the supports are connected and braced by the cross piece 31 which is disposed between the support pivots.

Our improved collapsible carriage is very economical in structure as there are relatively few parts and these are simple and economical to produce and easilyassembled.

The structure is light, but at the same time, is rigid and durable.

We have illustrated and described our im provements in detail in the form in which we have embodied the same for the market. We hai e not attempted to illustrate or de scribe modifications in structural details as we believe the disclosure made will enable those skilled in the art to which this invention relates to embody our improvements as conditions may dictate. We desire, however, to be understood as claiming our in vention specifically in the form illustrated as Well as broadly within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: V

1. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame comprising longitudinal members; a handle pivoted to the rear end of the frame to collapse forwardly; a seat carried by said frame; a back adapted to collapse forwardly upon said seat; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivotally connected to each other, the upper ends of the front supports being provided with pins engaging longitudinal slots in said frame members, the upper ends of the rearsupports being-pivoted to said frame members; levers mounted on the connecting pivots for said supports and having pins engaging longitudinal slots in said frame members; links connecting said levers to said-handle; a toggle for locking the parts in their erected position comprising a bail-like bar pivoted on said frame to swing down in front of said seat; and links connecting said bar to said levers.

2. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame comprising longitudinal members; a handle pivoted to the rear end of the frame to collapse forwardly; a seat carried by said frame; a back adapted to collapse forwardly upon said seat; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivotally connected to each other, the upper ends of the front supports being provided with pins engaging longitudinal slots in said frame members, the upper ends of the rear supports being pivoted to said frame members; levers mounted on the connecting pivots for said supports and having pins engaging longitudinal slots in said frame members; links connecting said levers to said handle; and means for locking thezparts in their erected position.

3. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles,'ofa frame comprising longitudinal members; a handle pivoted to the rear end of the frame to col lapse forwardly; a seat carried by said frame; a back adapted to collapse forwardly upon said seat; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivotally connected to each other, the. upper ends of the front supports being provided with pins engaging longitudinal slots in said frame members, the upper ends of the rear supports being pivoted to said frame, the lower endsof the rear supports being disposed above the rear axle and constituting stops and being connected to the axle by spring members; levers mounted on the connecting pivots for said supports. and having pins engaging longitudinal slots in said frame members; links connecting said levers to said handle; and means for locking frame; a back adapted tocollapse forwardly upon said seat; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivot-ally connected to each 7 other, the upper ends of the front supports being provided with pins engaging longitudinal slots in. said frame members, the upper ends of the rear supports being pivoted to said frame members, the lower ends of the rear supports being connected to the axle 'by spring members; levers mounted on the connecting pivots for said supports and having pins engaging longitudinal slots in said frame members; links connecting the upper ends of said levers to said handle; and means for locking the parts in their erected position.

5. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; a handle pivoted to said frame to collapse forwardly; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivotally connected to each other, the upper ends of the front supports being slidabl connected to said frame, the upper ends 0 the rear supports being pivotally connected to said frame; levers pivotally connected to said supports and having a sliding connection with said frame; links connecting said levers to said handle; a toggle for locking the parts in their erected position comprising a member pivoted on said frame; and links connecting said member to said levers.

6. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; a handle pivoted to said frame to collapse forwardly; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivotally connected to each other, the upper ends of the front supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the rear supports being pivotally connected to said frame; levers pivotally connected to said supports and having a sliding connection with said frame; links connecting said levers to said handle; and means for locking the parts in their erected position.

7 In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; a handle pivoted to said frame to collapse forwardly; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivotally connected to each other, the upper ends of the front supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the rear supports being pivotally connected to said frame, the lower ends of the rear supports being disposed above the rear axle and constituting stops and being connected to the axle by sprlng members; levers pivotally connected to said supports and having a sliding connection with said frame; links connecting said levers to said handle; and means for locking the parts in their erected position.

8. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; a handle pivoted to said frame to collapse forwardly; crossed supports connected to said axles and pivotally connected to each other, the upper ends of the front supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the rear supports being pivotally connected to said frame, the lower ends of the rear supports being connected to the axle by spring members; levers pivotally connected to said supports and having a sliding connection with said frame; links connecting said levers to said handle; and means for locking the parts in their erected position.

9. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; a handle mounted on said frame to collapse; pivotally connected crossed supports connected to said axles, the upper ends of one pair of supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the other supports being pivotally connected to said frame, the lower ends of the rear supports being disposed above the rear axle and constituting stops and being connected to the rear axle by spring members; actuating levers mounted on the connecting pivots for said supports and having sliding connections with said frame; actuating connections for said levers to said handle; and a locking means for the levers.

10. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the Wheels and axles, of a frame; a handle mounted on said frame to collapse; pivotally connected crossed sup ports connected to said axles, the upper ends of one pair of supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the other supports being pivotally connected to said frame; actuating levers mounted on the connecting pivots for said supports and having sliding connections with said frame; actuating connections for said levers to said handle; and a locking means for the levers.

11. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; pivotally connected crossed supports connected to said axles, the upper ends of one pair of supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the other supports being pivotally connected to said frame, the lower ends of the rear supports being disposed above the rear axle and constituting stops and being connected to the axle by spring members; actuating levers pivotally connected to said supports and having sliding connections with said frame; and a locking means.

12. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, ofaframe; pivotally connected crossed supports connected to said axles, the upper ends of one pair of supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the other supports being pivotally connected to said frame, the lower ends of the rear supports being connected to the axle by spring members; actuating levers pivotally connected to said supports and having sliding connections with said frame; and a locking means.

13. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; pivotally connected crossed supports connected to said axles, the upper ends of one pair of supports being slidably connected to said frame, the upper ends of the other supports being pivotally connected to said &

frame; actuating levers pivotally connected to said supports and having sliding connections with said frame; and a locking means.

14. In a collapsible carriage, the combination with the wheels and axles, of a frame; pivotally connected crossed supports connected to said axles and said frame to collapse; actuating levers pivotally connected to said supports and slidably connected to said frame whereby when the levers are swung to one position the supports are erected and supported in their erected position, and when the levers are swung to another position the supports are collapsed; and means for locking said levers in their erected position.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals in the presence of two witnesses. 7

CHRISTOPHER SQ SPOFFORD. FREDERICK W. JONAS. lVitnesses:

F. L. 'BURDIoK, J. l/V. BENNETT.

' Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

